Colorful skulls, flower garlands, laid tables, squares and cemeteries packed with people with spectacular disguises. The celebrations for the Dia de los muertosamong the most heartfelt in the country, are a unique opportunity to discover Mexico in all its lively and contagious spirituality.
The main events are concentrated in the days between 28 October and 2 Novemberbut in reality the party begins already in mid-October and continues until the end of November: the possibilities to leave are not lacking, starting with organized group trips such as those of WeRoadthe largest Italian community of only travelers. That just with the approach of the anniversary has spread an important fact: the feast of Dia de los Muertos is the most coveted in the world among the travelers interviewed by WeRoad (53%), followed by the Brazilian carnival (28%) and the Holi Festival in India (19%). THE
The irresistible allure of “Mexican Halloween” was made even more popular in 2017 by the Disney Pixar movie Coco, seen by 45% of those leaving or wishing to leave, which has given further prominence to this ancient festival of pre-Columbian origin. In 2008, UNESCO also recognized the importance of the Día de los muertos by declaring it Intangible cultural heritage of humanity.
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Dia de los muertos: a month of celebration throughout Mexico
More than a single day, Dia de los muertos is a period of celebration in which life is celebrated in the company of the deceased, with several significant dates. Between 28 and 29 October, Mexicans celebrate those who died of bullet, accident or drowning, or those who lost their lives in a sudden and violent way. The widespread belief in Mexico is that their souls suffer more in the afterlife because they have not had the opportunity to confess. On October 30, the lonely dead are celebrated, the souls abandoned by everyone. On October 31, children who were never born or died before baptism are celebrated. In the night between October 31 and November 1, it is believed that the dead return to the living to visit their loved ones and accept their offerings: for this reason in every house, street and courtyard, but also in the squares, in the churches and in the cemeteries. , very rich banquets are prepared.
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From Mexico City to the Yucatan, the parties not to be missed
The apotheosis of the Dia de los muertos is certainly reached on 2 November a Mexico City, the capital of the country, which is filled with colors, costumes, masks, dances and floats. Being a metropolis of over 20 million inhabitants, the parades are many: among the most characteristic is that of Mixquic, in the Tlahuac Delegation located in the western metropolitan area. Moving away from the megacity, the holidays tend to be more colorful in the southern region, particularly in the states of Michoacán, Oaxaca and Chiapas. One of the most exciting celebrations is held every year in Pátzcuaro, in the state of Michoacán, on the shores of the lake of the same name, where thousands of boats reach the small island of Janitzio to attend the celebrations of the indigenous group Purepecha. Big parties for the Dia de loa muertos are also staged in Puerto Vallarta, San Miguel de Allende And Meridain the Yucatan Peninsula.
Taking part in the Dia de los muertos is easy: find out the details on WeRoad
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